40 CFR 279 Used Oil Standard

Managing Used Oil: Answers to Frequent Questions for Businesses

EPA's used oil management standards, a set of "good housekeeping" requirements for used oil handlers, are detailed in 40 CFR 279.

If a facility generates oil that is to be disposed or sent for disposal, that oil must be managed as a non-hazardous solid waste or as a hazardous waste (if the oil exhibits a characteristic of hazardous waste, such as ignitability).

Used oil containers must be in good condition (not deteriorating or leaking) and must be labelled with the words “Used Oil.” Additionally, used oil is subject to the Spill Prevention, Countermeasure, and Control (SPCC) regulations in 40 CFR 112, if applicable for your facility.

More information about the federal used oil regulations can be found on EPA’s website: https://www.epa.gov/hw/managing-used-oil-answers-frequent-questions-businesses

Your state regulations governing the management of used oil might be stricter than the federal regulations. Contact your state or local environmental agency to determine your best course of action.